You can always get better. Whether you’re just starting out writing seriously or whether you’ve been writing for more than half a century, you can always get better. It’s easy. You write and get helpful feedback. You make changes and write some more. Everybody knows that. But, what else can you do? Here are three » Read More
Category: Better Writing
Writer’s Block: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin said that. Firefighting in Colonial America was a sometime affair. Fires destroyed whole blocks of houses in Philadelphia and other cities. In 1733, Franklin called for citizens to organize fire companies so they could put fires out before they » Read More
Better Writing: Getting It Wrong is Part of Getting It Right
Most of my clients are embarrassed about their first drafts. When they send them to me, they often include a comment. The comments go something like this: * “It’s very rough.” * “Excuse the bad grammar.” * “I apologize for the quality of the writing.” * “I hope you can do something with this.” Ernest » Read More
Better Writing: Three Dimensions of Writing Improvement
Terry and I have worked together for several years. Recently, he gave me the best piece of writing that he’s ever done, and I complemented him on it. “Okay,” he responded, “what can I do to get better?” Terry works very hard at getting better at everything. He’s improved his writing a » Read More
Better Writing: When in Doubt
It’s not quite writer’s block, but it’s close. You’ve been working on a blog post or something longer for a while. You know it’s okay, but you feel like it could be better. When that happens, try one of these eight things. Let It Rest The best way to see your own writing with fresh eyes is to » Read More